EDMONTON – September 14, 2018 – JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District (JW Marriott) announced today the naming of its meeting rooms after several iconic Edmonton Oilers Alumni, including the naming of the largest ballroom in downtown Edmonton after hockey legend, Wayne Gretzky.

The additional nine meeting spaces will also be aptly named in honour of Oilers Alumni favourites including Mark Messier, Glen Sather, Paul Coffey, Glenn Anderson, Kevin Lowe, Grant Fuhr, Al Hamilton, Jari Kurri, and sports broadcaster, Rod Phillips. With a prominent position in the heart of ICE District, JW Marriott specifically named these meeting spaces to integrate the iconic hockey culture that adorns Edmonton, with the prestigious brand that JW Marriott brings to the City.

Once completed, JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District will feature more than 22,000 square feet of legendary, state-of-the-art meeting and conference spaces, including downtown Edmonton’s largest ballroom at 10,500 square feet.

“Over the years, I have watched ICE District come alive and I am proud of the hockey community that has embraced it,” says Wayne Gretzky. “Edmonton carries a proud hockey history and this sport has truly become a cultural benchmark for the city. To be named alongside other deserving alumni is an incredible honor and tribute to our years of hockey in Edmonton.”

ICE District was created with the intention of housing the most advanced sports and entertainment venue in North America. The newest addition to the district – JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District – is scheduled to open in Q1 2019 and will feature 346 rooms, a Spa by JW®, swimming pool and multiple restaurants operated by nationally-recognized Oliver and Bonacini Restaurants. JW Marriott will also be home to a 20,000 sq. ft. high performance fitness centre offering the latest technology and training philosophies, featuring unparalleled amenities and first-class personal service. This full-service facility will offer limited memberships.

“The Marriott International portfolio consists of 30 incredible brands globally however, the JW Marriott Brand is one of our most iconic and we are proud to bring our JW Marriott brand to the province of Alberta,” says Martin Stitt, Area Vice President, Western Canada, Marriott International. “Incorporating Edmonton’s history and love of hockey into the sophisticated design associated with the brand, will provide self-assured travelers the localized authenticity and the approachable luxury they seek.”

“Commemorating some of our city’s best-known alumni is an exciting local tribute as we move towards opening JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District,” says Glen Scott, President of Katz Group Real Estate. “These alumni are an important part of Edmonton’s history and this announcement is a meaningful way to pay homage to ICE District’s culture and incorporate the great legacy of our city.”